In Egypt, it was usually depicted as a heron, but in classic literature as a peacock or an eagle. It embalmed the ashes of its predecessor in an egg of myrrh and flew with it to Heliopolis, the "city of the sun," where the egg was deposited on the altar of the sun god. The bird then was consumed by the flames.Ī new phoenix sprang forth from the pyre. Only one phoenix exists at a time, and so when the bird felt its death was near, every 500 to 1,461 years, it would build a nest of aromatic wood and set it on fire. Every morning at dawn, the sun god would stop his chariot to listen to the bird sing a beautiful song while it bathed in the well. The phoenix bird symbolizes immortality, resurrection and life after death, and in ancient Greek and Egyptian mythology it is associated with the sun god.Īccording to the Greeks, the bird lives in Arabia, near a cool well. We also invite you to visit our City History webpage for more information about our city was created, or contact the Communications Office at 262-7177. Read more about that process on this page.
As a result, the Phoenix bird became the official city symbol.
Museum purchase.The city of Phoenix was given its name by its founders because it had sprung from from the ruins of a former civilization that had vanished into history. Shen Quan, Peacocks (Pavos reales), 1745. While representing different meanings to different cultures, the peacock, with its unique beauty, makes it a handy symbol for power, strength, confidence, and even divinity, something with which most monarchs throughout history have wanted to be associated. In Chinese mythology, the beautiful colors and “eyes” on the peacock’s tail represented fame and good luck, as they enhanced one’s protection and awareness. The new creation, a peacock, became so important to Hera that they were chosen to pull her chariot. After Argus was killed in a plot, Hera set his eyes on the tail of a bird as a tribute. Hera became jealous when Zeus would spend time with Io, one of his many mistresses, and recruited Argus to watch her with his hundred eyes. Although the original throne was later stolen and taken to Persia, never to be seen again, future Indian thrones often included similar features and bore the same name.Īccording to Greek mythology, the peacock was a sacred bird to Hera, queen of the gods, wife to Zeus, and the patroness of women, marriage, and childbirth. Built in the early 17th century for Şah Jahan, the throne featured two sculpted peacocks encrusted in gold and jewels. In India, this is most evident in the famed Peacock Throne. Their tails convey beauty and confidence, and thus, over time, these birds came to represent royalty and power in many cultures and backgrounds. But how did this feathered creature become a symbol of monarchies?Īll peafowl, most known for their “eye” feathers, originate from the Indian subcontinent. This 1742 ink on silk illustration by Shen Quan portrays an animal that has been used throughout history to symbolize royalty-the peacock.
Jul, 07, 2021 Art Artists The Symbolism of PeacocksĪcross all genres and cultural categories of art, symbolism is a key tool used by artists to convey important information or an overarching message with subtlety and nuance.
0 kommentar(er)
